Hi everyone,
We have a microscope with different zoom lens design (8 configurations). And the analyzed results show below. According to Rayleigh criterion, the object side N.A. should determine the resolution: 0.61*lambda/N.A. Therefore, the first configuration with largest magnification should have the best optical resolution. correct? However, the airy disk radius should also determine the optical resolution, then configuration 4 should have the best optical resolution. I am confused why these two are not consistent with each other? And which one is right to determine the optical resolution of microscope? I think object side N.A should determine. Please let me know if I am wrong or miss something here. Any information would be helpful!
Thanks,
XW
| Configuration | Magnification | WFNO | Object side N.A. | Airy disk Radius (micron) Note: this value from the spot diagram |
| 1 | 0.361 | 9.17 | 0.02 | 6.265 |
| 2 | 0.322 | 8.66 | 0.019 | 5.917 |
| 3 | 0.193 | 7.36 | 0.013 | 5.031 |
| 4 | 0.138 | 7.27 | 0.009 | 4.966 |
| 5 | 0.097 | 7.56 | 0.006 | 5.166 |
| 6 | 0.07 | 8.03 | 0.004 | 5.484 |
| 7 | 0.05 | 8.51 | 0.003 | 5.816 |
| 8 | 0.04 | 8.95 | 0.002 | 6.113 |
